Let’s face it: Smoking meats on a gas grill or one of those cheap charcoal smokers is a downer.

I love my Weber One-Touch Gold Kettle. There’s plenty of grilling surface on this 22.5 inch model, the ash catcher makes clean up a snap and the flip up grill grate allows “stoking” the fire for long cooking times.

Still, I have been stymied by no temperature gauge. I took matters into my own hands.

I scored a replacement thermometer for a gas grill at Home Depot and tricked out my Weber.

First, use a nail or other sharp pointed object to hammer a dent into your Weber lid — that keeps the drill bit from skittering across the beautiful enamel surface! Use a drill bit the same size or slightly smaller than the shaft on the thermometer you choose. Drill the hole, attach the thermometer – which usually has a wing nut on the backside – and you’re on your way to smokin’ old school.

Careful that you place the thermometer away from the hanging hook inside the Weber lid — I almost messed mine up by being too close. Whew!

A trio of smoking sessions later and you’ll have the basic mastery of the flue and damper to control temperature. Refer to other printed material — like Mike Mills’ “Peace, Love and Barbecue” for estimated temps based on number of briquettes in your Weber.

My “Ring of Fire” for chicken begins with 25-30 briquettes — which gives me a consistent 350-375 degree F. I surround the perimeter of the Weber with coals for even heat from all sides. Orient the flue opposite the wood chips to insure pulling the delicious smoke across the meat.

As you can see in the final product shot. I ringed a drip pan with charcoal – started in a chimney. I used hickory chips in a can for the smoke source – which was plenty for a gentle smoking of three big chicken breasts. I did have to add additional charcoal about 20 minutes before cooking was finished.

I made my own “spritzer” of apple cider vinegar, ginger ale and soy sauce – which added great color without altering flavor.

It was a simple holiday dinner for Miss T.J. And I – we also had this delicious three-squash casserole.